If you’ve ever been woken up by your dog barking in the middle of the night, you’re not alone. It’s a common and often frustrating issue for many pet parents. While it’s easy to assume they’re just being noisy, nighttime barking can actually be your dog’s way of trying to tell you something.

Let’s explore the common reasons, from simple behaviour to possible health concerns, so you can better understand what your furry friend might be going through.

The Two Main Reasons for Nighttime Barking

In simple terms, dogs bark at night for two big reasons: something’s on their mind, or something’s wrong with their body.

The cause can often depend on their age, so it’s helpful to know what to look for.

 

If Your Puppy is Crying at Night

1. “I Need You!” (Attention-Seeking)
Puppies are like babies. If they feel lonely or want a cuddle, they’ll whine or bark to get your attention. Sometimes, even scolding them feels like attention to a puppy. If you always go to them when they cry, they learn that barking works to get what they want.

What to do: It’s okay to comfort a very young puppy, but as they grow, gentle training can help them learn to feel safe and settled through the night.

2. A Possible Health Issue
While less common, a change in behaviour can sometimes signal a health problem. If your puppy seems “out of it” during the day or has other unusual symptoms along with the night barking, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.

 

If Your Adult Dog (Ages 1-7) is Crying at Night

1. “I’m Anxious Without You” (Separation Anxiety)
Some dogs panic when they’re apart from their owners. This can happen day or night. If your dog barks constantly, chews furniture, or appears destructive only when left alone, anxiety may be the cause.

2. “I’m in Pain”
Your dog may be experiencing discomfort due to conditions such as arthritis, a hidden injury, or an itchy skin infection. At night, when things are quiet and there are no distractions, the pain or discomfort can feel more intense, leading them to cry out.

3. A Seizure Condition
Conditions like epilepsy, which often start in young adult dogs, can cause seizures. Sometimes, a dog might cry or bark right before, during, or after a seizure.

4. An Underlying Illness
Problems with organs like the thyroid or adrenal glands can cause a dog to feel unwell, restless, or in pain, which may trigger excessive barking at night.

 

If Your Senior Dog is Crying at Night

1. “I’m Confused” (Canine Dementia)
Just like older humans, senior dogs can develop a form of dementia. You might notice them getting lost in familiar places, seeming to forget family members, or having their days and nights mixed up. This confusion and disruption of their sleep-wake cycle are common reasons for nighttime barking in older pets.

 

Warning Signs: When to Call the Vet

Sometimes, barking is more than just a behaviour problem. Please consult your veterinarian if your dog’s nighttime barking comes with any of these signs:

* They suddenly howl or bark as if in pain or having a fit.
* Their pupils look like two different sizes.
* They are wobbly, unsteady, or stumbling.
* They are vomiting or have lost their appetite.
* They seem lost or confused in your own home.
* Their sleep pattern is reversed (awake all night, sleepy all day).

If you notice any of these symptoms, a check-up with your vet is the best next step. They can help you determine if it’s a training issue or a health problem that requires treatment.

Understanding the root cause is the first step toward peaceful nights for both you and your best friend.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog only barks at night. Should I be worried?
Not necessarily. It could be a habit or a result of boredom. However, if the barking is new, intense, or accompanied by any of the warning signs above, a vet visit is a good idea to rule out pain or illness.

What should I do first if my dog starts barking at night?
First, don’t yell at them. Check if they need a quick bathroom break. If they appear physically okay, they may simply be seeking attention. In that case, a calm, quiet reassurance without too much fuss is best, so you don’t accidentally reward the barking.